Cuisines and Tradition

In this post, we will be bringing you some of the cuisines from the different ethnic groups in Singapore that help to create her food culture. We will also touch on the traditions customs present here in Singapore.

From the Chinese cuisines, we have Hainanese Chicken Rice, Ba Kuh Teh, Hokkien Mee. (Pictures are in respective order as mentioned)

From the Malay Muslim cuisines, we have Mee Siam, Nasi Lemak, Nasi Briyani, Goreng Pisang.(Pictures are in respective order as mentioned)

From the Indian Muslim cuisines, we have Roti Prata, Murtabak and Chicken Tekka.(Pictures are in respective order as mentioned)

From the Indian Vegetarian cuisines, we have Thosai, Banana Leaf Rice set, Naan.(Pictures are in respective order as mentioned)

From the Western cuisines, we have Chicken Chop, Beef Steak and Burgers.(Pictures are in respective order as mentioned)

Now, we will move into the common traditions and customs in Singapore.

In Singapore, certain local customs and traditions are likely to present the business card with both hands and avoid the colour black, which is an inauspicious colour for the Chinese people. The customs in Singapore are generally not adapted to handshakes as greetings, but in other forms such as bowing, salaaming, saluting and so on. Another popular custom in Singapore is that the people here enter their homes barefoot and shoes are removed outside the house as a sign of respect.

All these little traditions and customs are carried down through different ethnic groups and through the years, which had now become a common Singapore tradition which all Singaporeans do.

Concluding on this post, we would like to share a quote with you! “When in Rome, do what the Romans do!” In the next post, we will be covering the Heritage of Singapore.

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Traditional Costumes

In this post, we will be touching on the traditional costumes of each ethnic race. Every ethnic group has their own traditional costumes, unique cuisines and tradition.

For the Chinese, female’s traditional dress is called a cheongsam, also known as qipao. The modern version is usually tight-fitting to the person who wears it and meant to be stylish and fashionable. It was created in the 1920s in Shanghai and gained its popularity then through the rich and famous people.

For the males, their traditional costume is called a changsan, also known as changpao. It was the formal dress for Chinese men before suits were introduced to the Chinese.

For the Malay, the female’s traditional costume is called a Kebaya. It is a blouse and dress combination worn by the females. Its inspiration came from Arab region’s clothing.

For the males, their traditional outfit is called Baju Melayu. It is a combinations of a long sleeved shirt with raised stiff collars and trousers. It is usually made of silk too.

For the Indians, female’s traditional clothing is called a Sari. The most commonly seen style is with the sari wrapped around the waist with one end over the shoulder. They are usually colourful and unique.

For the males, their traditional costume is called lungi which is a rectangle cloth draped around the waist and tucked in front of the groin area.

All these different ethnic group’s traditional costumes possess their own uniqueness and come together to form part of Singapore’s culture. In the next post, we will be covering unique cuisines and traditions that made up Singapore’s culture.

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